What is the Difference Between Yum and RPM?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Yum and RPM are both package management systems used for Red Hat-based Linux distributions. They have some similarities but mainly differ in functionality. Here are the key differences between Yum and RPM:
- Functionality: RPM is a package management tool used for installing, uninstalling, and querying individual software packages. However, it cannot manage dependency resolution like Yum. Yum, on the other hand, is a front-end utility that uses the RPM package manager for package management and can handle dependency resolution.
- Repository Support: RPM does not support repositories, making it difficult to install packages without knowing the full package file name and location. Yum supports repositories, allowing you to install packages using only the package name without requiring the package location.
- Updates: Yum scans the installed packages and notifies the user if upgrades are available. It can also upgrade packages automatically using online repositories. RPM does not have this feature, making it less suitable for day-to-day usage.
- Package Format: RPM packages consist of an archive of files and metadata, including helper scripts, file attributes, and information about packages. Yum does not have a specific package format, as it uses RPM packages.
In summary, Yum is a more user-friendly and intelligent package management system than RPM, as it can handle dependency resolution, work with repositories, and automatically upgrade packages. RPM, while still useful for certain tasks, is more limited in its capabilities and is typically used when you have the required .rpm packages and the dependencies manually figured out.
Comparative Table: Yum vs RPM
RPM and YUM are package management systems created for Red Hat-based Linux distributions. They have some similarities but mainly differ in functionality. Here is a table comparing the differences between RPM and YUM:
| Feature | RPM (RPM Package Manager) | YUM (Yellow Dog Updater, Modified) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | RPM is a command-line package manager developed for Red Hat-based systems. It allows users to install, upgrade, delete, query, and verify packages. | YUM is a front-end utility that uses the RPM package manager for package management and uses the RPM database in the backend. It simplifies managing RPM packages and handles package dependencies and automatic updates. |
| Ease of Use | RPM package management can be complicated at times. | YUM is the easiest way to manage RPM packages. |
| Rollback | RPM does not support change rollback. | YUM allows any changes to be rolled back. |
| Dependencies | RPM does not fetch required package dependencies during installation. | YUM automatically fetches and installs required package dependencies. |
| Updates | RPM does not automatically update/upgrade packages installed on your system. | YUM allows you to automatically update/upgrade the updates available on your system. |
| System Upgrade | RPM does not allow you to upgrade the entire system to the latest available version. | YUM allows you to upgrade your system to the latest available version (minor version upgrade, for example, 7.0 to 7.x). |
| Online Repository | RPM does not rely on an online repository to perform any actions. | YUM relies entirely on the online repository to do all the work. |
In summary, RPM is a powerful, low-level command-line package manager, while YUM is a user-friendly front-end utility that simplifies managing RPM packages and handles package dependencies and automatic updates.